Joe Lowry has donated a small collection of 70 photographs that feature some incredible aerial shots of Memphis. A label on the box suggested that these photos were shot by the Secret Service in preparation for a visit from President Nixon in 1968. Actually, the photos date to about 10 years later, and it is very likely that they were shot in preparation for President Carter’s visit to Memphis in December of 1978 for the Democratic Midterm Convention. Included in the images are numerous shots of the interior and exterior of Cook Convention Center, where the convention was held, and photos of the Holiday Inn Rivermont, where the President and First Lady spent the night.

Take a look at the photos and you’ll be able to see some pretty great views of Memphis as it was growing and changing.